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30 rue Vaugirard—
Dec— 15— 

[[archival note:]] 1889

I had another precious little note from you dear Grandma in the last batch no - it was'nt a batch - only [[underline]] one [[/underline]] letter contained a nice long one from Aunt Eliza telling about Thanksgiving and the dinner party and cards.  Wish I could see them.  Am so sorry to hear about Cousin Julia. But if she is laid up at the Van Ingen's she is sure to be comfortable and Richards's will [[underline]] have [[/underline]] to take care of her.  I was always afraid that in illness she would be left to the Benismades.

May and I are very cosy tonight beside our little stove and under our little lampshade - both writing. The mop with which we wash our morning cups and saucers hangs to the window frame beside my wash-bag - and my yellow silk Balsam pillow reposes on my pillow.  Had our 
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fruit instead - M'seur [[M'sieur]] conceived an idea and the next evening I perceived a small peice [[piece]] of solid looking cheese on a plate on the side board and divined what was coming. And sure enough if you could have seen the blissful and tender air with which he came himself and set it before us at dessert - exclaiming - "Fromage [[underline]] Chestair"! Anglaise"! [[/underline]] And of course we swore it was perfectly delicious.

What a lot about the restaurant but it is one of our most amusing experiences, and I am sure that in the long annals of The Café Luxembourg [[strikethrough]] the [[/strikethrough]] if there are any.  The advent of "Ces dames Americaines" [[Américaines]] will be the most extraordinary and unique incident.

Today I worked in the studio for the first time so long has it taken to shake down and get things arranged so that it was possible. My cold kept me in for nearly a week - but it is ending well now.  The studio looks quite cosy - I have [[underline]] three [[/underline]] rugs—  Two for five dollars apiece & one for $2.18 also a big hanging to keep out draughts